An excessive heat warning is in place in our region for the rest of the week. The current forecast shows triple-digit temperatures on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with overnight lows staying above 70 degrees. Saturday is expected to be in the upper 90s.
The best advice is to drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Stay out of the sun and stay in an air-conditioned room if possible. Be sure to check on friends and neighbors and seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know has symptoms of heat-related illness.
Multnomah County will open three cooling centers in Portland beginning Wednesday, August 11 at 12 p.m. and they will remain open at least through Sunday morning. No one will be turned away and pets are welcome. Anyone who needs transportation should dial 2-1-1.
- Sunrise Center: 18901 E Burnside St.
- Portland Building: 1120 SW 5th Ave.
- Arbor Lodge Shelter: 1952 N Lombard St.
In addition, the library branches with air conditioning will also be open.
- Troutdale Library: 2451 SW Cherry Park Rd
- Gresham Library: 385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham
- Fairview-Columbia Library: 1520 NE Village Street, Fairview
If you choose to head to the Sandy River to cool off, please remember that no matter how hot it is outside, that water is very cold and the current is very fast. Lifeguards will be on duty, but please wear a life jacket if you go into the water and be sure to keep any children with you within arms reach. If you forget to bring a life jacket, there are free loaners available for daily use. AMR has approximately 75 to loan daily, in all sizes from infant to adults. Be aware that Glenn Otto Park will likely be extremely busy.
Please note, that an outdoor burn ban is currently in place. This ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris and agricultural burning until further notice. Outdoor barbecuing is still allowed; however, residents should exercise extreme caution.
Below is a list of resources that can help you get through heat.
- Help for When it's Hot (Multnomah County)
- Extreme Heat Tips and Resources (CDC)
- Preventing Heat-related Illnesses (Oregon Health Authority)
- Keeping your Pets Cool in Hot Weather (Multnomah County)
- Weather Forecast and Warnings (National Weather Service)
- Emergency Alerts (PublicAlerts.org)
The video below provides advice on how to stay cool in extreme heat.